For years now the harvest has been less than it should be. Last year the people of Oisin's village sacrificed a goat, but their god did not come. Now, in desperation, a human sacrifice has been suggested, and Oisin, recently orphaned and feeling life is not worth living, volunteers. But the god Belinos is not quite what he seems, and Oisin's sacrifice will not be what he expects, for Belinos first came out of the darkness to drink the sacrificial blood not because he was a god, but because he was a vampire. This is just the beginning of the changes to Oisin's life, as he is drawn further and further into a world of gods and magic, where the most unexpected thing is not even his own blossoming talent, but the blossoming feelings he has for Belinos. Love between mortal and immortal is not without its difficulties, though. As outright war among the gods threatens, Oisin will end up making a far greater difference in the conflict than he could ever have dreamed possible.

The Sacrifice

“Oisin.” Firas had come around the altar, moving slowly, almost hesitantly. Behind him others were untying the goat, carrying it away. It would be butchered and the meat, cut small and roasted swiftly over the bonfire, would be added to the feast.


Firas halted before Oisin, and Oisin’s eyes flew wide in shock as Firas bowed to him, almost as deeply as he’d bowed to Bel. “It is an honor to have your presence here, ah, sir.”


Chapter 30